BLACKBURN boss Mark Hughes today hit back at claims he's had a bust-up with skipper Andy Todd by insisting the defender is still very much part of his plans for the future.
Hughes was incensed when he saw a story in one of the tabloid's earlier this week which claimed Todd was on his way to Manchester City this summer following a fall-out with the Rovers boss.
But although the Welshman has admitted he and Todd DID have a difference of opinion over his decision to substitute him at Birmingham recently, Hughes insists the pair have since put the episode firmly behind them.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow's crunch trip to Charlton, the Rovers chief said: "Andy's still very much part of my plans for next season.
"He's got a contract here, he's been a big part of the success we've had since I've been here, and he still continues to be very much part of what we want to do in the future."
Speculation regarding Todd's future began to surface following Rovers' 2-1 defeat at Birmingham earlier this month when the skipper reacted angrily to being substituted when he thought he was fit enough to carry on.
At that point, he appeared to throw his captain's armband to the floor in frustration and he could clearly be seen venting his anger at Hughes in the dug-out after being replaced by Aaron Mokoena.
However, Todd quickly apologised to the Rovers boss and as far as Hughes is concerned the matter has now been resolved.
"At the time, I took Andy off because he was injured, and obviously he's still injured so it was the right decision," said Hughes.
"Andy felt he could continue but we were entering the latter stages of the game and I couldn't wait to make that decision. I had to make one quickly.
"Andy wasn't happy with it at the time because he felt he could carry on.
"Looking back now, he probably understands that he couldn't have done.
"He wasn't happy coming off but in the dressing room immediately after the game he apologised so that was the end of it as far as I was concerned."
In the meantime, Todd is likely to find out in the next 48 hours if he needs an operation on the knee injury he sustained in that game, and if the answer is yes' then he won't figure again this season.
Hughes said: "Andy had to see a specialist for a scan, and it wasn't great news, so a decision will have to be made as to whether he needs an operation on his knee.
"That will be made in the next couple of days, and if he does need it, then of course it's the end of his season.
"It maybe a case he will be able to get through, but we will take advice on that."
Better news for Hughes is that midfielder Tugay is on the brink of a return after being out for more than three weeks with a calf injury.
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